Local Wally's Guide to San Diego
The original locals guide to San Diego...since 1996
Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, you're in the Jewel of San Diego!
Chances are when you think of San Diego and its glorious beaches you're thinking of La Jolla. In La Jolla you'll find beautiful bikini girls on La Jolla Shores Beach, kayaks and snorkelers in the water at La Jolla Cove, and seals doing their thing at the Children's Pool. You'll also find tidepools, secluded beaches, hang gliding off the cliffs at Torrey Pines and even a nude beach if you look hard enough.
Yes, this is La Jolla, often called The Jewel of San Diego. Located just 15 miles north of downtown it's an essential spot to visit while on vacation. Sure, it's got a bit of the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous here but it's mixed with a downhome San Diego beach vibe that sets it apart from its snooty counterparts like Malibu or Beverly Hills. With beaches that rival some of the best in the world, you won't be disappointed.
Be aware that some marketing folks who wrote the descriptions for the hotels on their websites did better in creative writing class than geography as some of the "La Jolla" hotels have a better view of the inland freeway than the ocean. No worries, with Local Wally's Guide to La Jolla Hotels you'll know exactly what you're getting before you get here.
LA JOLLA BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB 
In Hawaii you can find lots of hotels that are built right on the sand, but in San Diego they're a real rarity. A lot of "beachfront" hotels are actually ocean view hotels - that's not bad but it's not the same as a resort that lets you step right off the hotel property and into the ocean. If that's what you're looking for, look no further as the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is one of the small handful of San Diego resorts that truly is right on the sand. And this is no ordinary sand, this is a beach in La Jolla, one of the most picturesque beaches in Southern California
These guys were really smart when they built this resort in 1935. State law says that the beach belongs to the public, right up to the high water mark. So when they built the resort they pushed it back a bit and left a long stretch of sand that looks like a public beach, but it's not - and there lies one of the key attractions to this resort. Hotel lounge chairs in the sand invite hotel guests, and only hotel guests, to sit a while to catch some rays. Thirsty? No worries as a waiter or waitress will soon be by to take your drink order - say what? That's right, you can have an alcoholic beverage on the beach, something that's outlawed now on all of San Diego public beaches. And when the sun goes down wouldn't it be great if the staff set up a nice barbeque for you so you can cook some burgers and roast some marshmallows? Why yes it would be, and yes they can do that. Nice, very nice.
Rooms range from street view plain to ocean view 3 bedroom suites and most have kitchenettes, perfect for cooking up some Top Ramen for the kids while you dine at the elegant Marine Room restaurant next door, one of San Diego's finest restaurants. Many of the rooms have been remodeled, many have not, but in the end it's really all about the beach and the location when you stay here. Kayaks and watersport toys for rent, a par 3 golf course, tennis, pool, and sparkling grounds makes this a true destination resort.
PRO'S: Incredible location, incredible beach, Marine Room restaurant next door!
CON'S: OK, so some of the rooms are pretty basic. Who cares after you get sand all over it anyway?
WALLY SAYS: These guys were a bit snooty with me ("who are you again?") when I went to take pics but they still get my top rating, it's that good (but they'd better be nicer to me next time!)
Built in 1970, the La Jolla Shores Hotel (formerly the Sea Lodge) is the sister hotel to the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Make that the red headed stepchild sister. That's not to say that isn't a good pick, only that it's not quite as good. If La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is a Lexus, the La Jolla Shores Hotel is a Camry. But it's a fully loaded Camry, which means it's no slouch.
The La Jolla Shores Hotel shares the same beach as it's sibling hotel and thus offers many of the same amenities. If you're dreaming of waking up to the sound of crashing waves, taking a leisurely walk along the sand with a cup of coffee or sipping a cocktail as the sun sets, then the La Jolla Shores Hotel delivers as promised. Some rooms have kitchenettes, great for saving a few bucks on breakfast so you can splurge on dinner. Nice pool, but come on, the beach is 50 feet away so I'd better not catch you spending all your time there.
Rooms are decent. You won't be ooh'ing and ahhh'ing like you might in some of the trendier hotels but you won't get the elbow in your back from your spouse, either. Great place!
PRO'S: Whoo hoo, right on the sand!
CON'S: Rooms could use a bit of updating, grounds are nice but think "hotel" instead of "resort" and it all works.
WALLY SAYS: You want to stay right on the beach, this is the place!
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Affectionately known as "The Pink Lady", La Valencia has arguably been the definition of elegance since it was built in 1926. Sitting on the hillside overlooking the blue Pacific, it's Mediterranean architecture still enchants visitors today as it did during it's heyday as a Hollywood hideaway. Back then La Jolla was an undiscovered jewel, the perfect place for movie stars like Charlie Chaplin or Greta Garbo to come to get away from it all. Imagine the looks on their faces if they could see you and your family walking in today with ice cream dripping down your chin and a tramp stamp on your wife!
La Valencia has a charm that's lacking from the big box hotels being built today. The red tiled floor looks original, the painted ceiling still sparkles, and the view remains as always unmistakably La Jolla perfect. It's high end, yes, but it's not snooty high end but rather welcoming and accessible.
Visit the Whaling bar and you'll most likely be surrounded by local La Jollan's, or pull out the gold card and dine at the wonderfully exclusive Sky Room, an intimate restaurant on the top floor with stunning ocean views. Of course, the hotels' location right in the heart of La Jolla means you're walking distance from other top dining options, such as five star George's at the Cove or one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, Alfonso's, a great place to dine if you don't want to change out of the shorts and flip flops. There's a nice pool and while the hotel is not on the sand, the beach is only a couple of blocks away. And what a beach! From watching the seals at the Children's Pool to snorkeling at La Jolla Cove, there's really no need to go anywhere else to enjoy the ocean.
Inside, the rooms vary in size and quality of the view, causing some reviewers with smaller wallets to complain about the views while others exclaim that they died and went to heaven. Let your pocketbook decide which experience you want and no complaining if you get a non-ocean view because it's all good. Come on, you're staying at La Valencia! A winner for romantic getaways, wedding parties or anniversaries, or for that special tryst with your secretary.
PRO'S: Fabulous location, incredible architecture, wonderful vibe, you'll want to live here forever.
CON'S: Not what I would call kid friendly - Consider leaving them with the valet.
WALLY SAYS: If you can afford it, you should do it!
Down the street from La Valencia is La Jolla's oldest hotel, The Grande Colonial. Back in 1913 when it opened La Jolla was still a sleepy beach town and rooms went for $25 to $50 a month. Over the years the hotel has come and gone, an enclave for Hollywood stars in the 50's where it would not have been unusual to see Groucho Marx or Charleston Heston sitting in the bar, but by the 70's the grade hotel had fallen into disrepair and three partners purchased this seaside property for a mere one million dollars - the price of a nice tract home in San Diego today.
The hotel went through a major refurbishing in the 80's and regained its reputation as a fashionable place to stay, but it was the second refurbishing in 2007 and 2008 that really kicked things up a few notches. Hip and trendy, contemporary yet comfortable, The Grande Colonial came out of its facelift looking classy and up to date - it looked, well, sexy. The hotel also picked up the small apartment building next door and turned it into the Little Hotel by the Sea. These incredible suites feature a kitchenette, modern electronics, elegant baths and views of the Children's Pool - you know, the beach where the seals hang out! Yes, pretty good, pretty, pretty good.
Standard rooms are also updated and upscale, though if street noise bothers you consider upgrading to the ocean side of the hotel. Nine-Ten restaurant is a local favorite and takes the place where there once was an old soda fountain and the beach is an easy walk down the street. The "Pink Lady" might get a bit more attention but The Grande Colonial is a better choice if you like things a little trendier and updated.
PRO'S: A classic hotel with a recent update, you get the best of both worlds!
CON'S: Road noise might get irritating on weekend nights if you face the street.
WALLY SAYS: This is my kind of hotel! The staff, the view, the rooms, wow, all top notch!
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The scene outside the Hotel Parisi belies what you'll find inside. Outside on any given Summer day you'll find screaming kids pushing a giant marble ball that's suspended in a water fountain, crazy drivers fighting for the last parking spot near the beach, and hoards of men trying to coax their wives to stop in at Victoria's Secret.
But step inside and everything calms to Zen-like stillness. Cool and contemporary, sleek and modern, the Hotel Parisi attracts a different crown than what you see outside. Celebrities like Madonna have been seen here (do not make fun of her veiny arms or she might punch you!) and the positive energy in the air is most certainly due to its dedication to Feng Shui design. Yes, it's that sort of place so if you have kids prone to fighting over who gets the last bite of that corndog you might want to stay somewhere else. On the other hand, if you love the good things in life, if you appreciate modern design, if you are enlightened, there's no better place than the Hotel Parisi.
PRO'S: One of the best boutique hotels in San Diego, superb service, walk to the beach
CON'S: Can't mock Fung Shui or make Kung Fu "grasshopper" comments without getting a nasty look.
WALLY SAYS: For the Sex in the City crowd this place can't be beat!
They call it a "European style hotel" but what they really mean is that it's small. Tiny rooms, dinky lobby, this is not the sort of place you take pictures of to show off when you go home. Or do you?
The small brick building looks so unassuming, especially when set next to neighbors like La Valencia and Hotel Parisi. But step into the rooms and whoa, what the heck, ocean view? Go upstairs on the sundeck to get an unobstructed view on a private patio. Go ahead and laugh at the people below as they look for a parking space. You don't need no stinking car to get to the beach, not when you're this close.
Rooms are better than what you'd expect, featuring handmade quilts, air conditioning, and free continental breakfast (including coffee and juice) brought right to your room every morning. Bringing the rug rats with you? Then check out the junior suite with a queen bed, a sofabed in a separate area, and a kitchenette, which will come in handy for whipping up some sandwiches and snacks for your long days at the beach. As for the service, it's definitely boutique standards.
Close to the restaurants and the lively night scene so early snoozers might find the street noise intrusive, but I suggest you forget about crashing early and instead grab a bottle of good wine and head up to the sun deck to watch the stars and smooch a little - why not?
PRO'S: Same beach as the expensive hotels, can't beat the location.
CON'S: Night life noise can get irritating if you crash out early.
WALLY SAYS: I've always liked this place - so simple and friendly.
Wait a second - am I still in San Diego? Set amongst the pines, The Lodge at Torrey Pines looks more like something you would find at Lake Tahoe. An upscale Craftsman style resort, the setting picture postcard perfect. Ocean views, excellent restaurants, a fabulous pool and full service spa, can it get much better? Why yes it can because The Lodge, which is located at the 18th hole of the Torrey Pines Golf Course, can get YOU onto that course with their "Guaranteed Tee Time Program!"
That's right, you smacking the ball on the same course that Tiger Woods plays on, the same course used for the US Open, Phil Mickelson's home course. And don't think it's not a big deal that they can get you a tee time because getting "on" Torrey requires more skill and luck than sinking a 25 foot downhill putt!
Aside from golf, the Lodge at Torrey Pines delivers the type of service and attention to detail that you would expect from a near 5 star resort. The Craftsman theme follows into the 170 guestrooms and suites and the view, oh that view, overlooks the green of the golf course and flows into the Pacific. Beach lovers should note that the beach below is the famous nude Blacks Beach - and access is difficult at best. Listen to your wife, it aint happening. But jump in the car and you can be back in the heart of La Jolla, or better yet, go north and visit the beaches that are more local than touristy.
PRO'S: Is that Phil at the snack bar? Golfers, your dreams have come true!
CON'S: You can see the ocean, but you can't get to it
WALLY SAYS: Golfers and non-golfers are going to love this place! Far enough away from the crowds, but still close to the main attractions.
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ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL AND SPA 
It's described as a coastal California Rancho, but that description probably doesn't help much if you're from Kansas. It's a bit like a your vision of Old California with its huge stone courtyards, bubbling water fountains, outdoor fireplaces and understated elegance. It's "rustic" in a very elegant and upscale way, you'll feel like a movie star the second you arrive.
Rooms are tastefully done with contemporary tones and upscale furnishings and the grounds are exceptional. Grab a cool drink and take a walk and you might find yourself discovering the joys of just relaxing in a chair. It's calm and peaceful here, made more so by the excellent spa, itself a popular day destination for non-hotel guests. At night things get going rancho style with the sounds of a Spanish guitar wafting from the patio of their casual restaurant, Mustangs and Burros. There's also a wine bar with tapas, also known as small plates, as well as a higher end restaurant called Adobe el Restaurante. After a long day at the beach, walking from your room to a great restaurant is a nice treat.
Once inside the resort the outside world fades away and you forget that right across the street are the dorms from UCSD. Don't worry, you won't hear the college or even care once you enter the grounds and the gates close behind you. Wedding parties love this place - it's a popular destination for a destination wedding. And if you must do business, Estancia La Jolla has huge conference centers with all the bells and whistle, and thankfully hides them away from the guests who are trying to forget about work.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa is a different type of resort. No giant water slides, no nightly luau and hula lessons, not even an ocean view. But if you're stress level is higher than a politician caught having an affair and the idea of a perfect vacation day ends with a massage and a glass of wine, then Estancia might be exactly what you are looking for.
PRO'S: Quiet, understated, unpretentious, and a great spa
CON'S: No ocean view, location a bit off to itself
WALLY SAYS: Perfect for weddings, romantic getaways, a stress relief vacation!
At times the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines reminds me a bit like the building from The Forbin Project - you know, the futuristic movie from 1970 where the computer takes over the world. The outside of the hotel is stark and cold, looking a bit like the scientific research labs around it, you'll swear you're pulling into a business park when you first come down the hill. But before you write off this hotel, consider the location. Set on a hill overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course, views of the Pacific Ocean, maybe it's OK if a giant out of control computer is secretly housed here with views like these.
Unlike the beautiful family friendly Hilton San Diego on Mission Bay, this Hilton is a bit more restrained, a bit more businesslike. It's the difference between wearing a Hawaiian shirt or business casual to the hotel bar. If you're on business, you're going to fit right in. But don't let this scare you off if you're coming here on vacation. The pool setting is fantastic, the views gorgeous, and the rooms top notch. Go ahead and trip over that guy's power cord at the pool and watch his face as his laptop drops to the bottom of the pool. Who knows, you probably did him a favor! Torrey Pines Golf Course if right outside your door, the beach a few minutes away, this location is close enough to the action without being smack in the middle of all of the commotion of La Jolla. Book it - you won't be sorry.
PRO'S: Super nice location, great views from the rooms of the golf course and beyond to the ocean.
CON'S: Business people in suits me nervous like I have to make a powerpoint presentation tomorrow.
WALLY SAYS: Try not to make the business people jealous when you leave for fun stuff in the morning!
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HYATT REGENCY LA JOLLA AVENTINE 
This guy Michael Graves gets around. He's the architect that favors odd postmodern designs and today is probably best known for his odd postmodern kitchenware sold at Target Stores. This guy definitely has a couple of screws loose - you either adore his strange designs or find them irritatingly pretentious. He designed the architecture at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine and there's no mistaking it as you approach it from the freeway.
That's right, I believe in full disclosure so note that while they call this hotel "La Jolla" it is not near the beach. But for those of you wanting to see the Zoo and the other San Diego attractions, the freeway access makes everything relatively close so the location really isn't bad at all - as long as you don't confuse this place with a beach hotel. The hotel itself caters to the business crowd. On any given day you'll see sad people on laptops or Blackberry's in the lobby. But don't let them bother you. The hotel is in a great location and the setting sleek and upscale. And you'll love that there are great restaurants right across the street.
PRO'S: Great location next to freeway, ultra cool and chic inside, Fleming's next door where budget diners can eat at the bar.
CON'S: Watch out for angry businesspeople who wish they were you!
WALLY SAYS: Great pool and great location, I love walking across the street for dinner.
One thing about an Embassy Suites is you know exactly what you're getting. Start with a suite, add free breakfast with made to order omelettes, free cocktails in the afternoon, decent lobby, pool, and lots of business travelers and weekdays and tons of kids on weekends. That's the Embassy Suites and that pretty much describes the Embassy Suites La Jolla.
Located off the inland 805 freeway, this is possibly the biggest stretch of truth in advertising when they call this area La Jolla. It's surrounded by business parks and there's a major shopping mall across the street. It's not exactly vacation paradise, but whether you're on business or vacation the close freeway access and proximity to restaurants like PF Chang's is a plus. For families looking to see all of San Diego from the San Diego Zoo to Legoland, the location is smack in the middle, making it convenient for everything. The real La Jolla (and the ocean) is only about 10 minutes away,so getting to the beach is no big deal (and coming back to free cocktails is a recession budget stretcher).
I like Embassy Suites for the same reason you do. Predictable, good value, really good breakfast, and good locations. The La Jolla Embassy Suites provides all of these things in a freeway close location and is perfect for anyone looking for good bang for their buck.
PRO'S: 10 minutes to beach, 20 minutes to downtown or Legoland, great central location.
CON'S: Unhappy businesspeople on weekdays, lots of kids on weekends, lousy inside pool.
WALLY SAYS: Anyplace with free "all you can eat" bacon and cooked to order omelettes gets my attention!
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